Published at Wednesday, March 28th, 2018 - 01:34:22 AM. Hockey Gear and Equipment. By Regina Dania.

To carry out the proper checks along the boards you must learn to force the puck carrier towards the boards. The key is to steer the puck carrier in the direction you want by angling him or her into the boards under a controlled speed : Keep yourself stick-to-stick and body-to-body with the puck carrier continue to skate when close to the puck carrier — don′t glide into the check concentrate on the puck carrier not the puck aim to hit a point on the boards in front of the puck carrier keep your body low and your legs spread for balance.

Players must learn to protect themselves especially along the boards. When going into the corner use some fakes with your body stick or skates to avoid being a stationary target. Keep your skates parallel to the boards rather than pointing toward the boards. As soon as you pick up the puck move out of the area quickly. If you can′t avoid being checked position yourself to accept the blow. If you are checked from the side keep your head up get a good stable position feet apart knees bent body in a low position forearms and hands on the boards.

Don't forget the parents. Most coaches kick off the season with a parents' meeting to lay down a few ground rules discuss philosophies and map out a course for the season. That's all well and good when the season is young and everyone is refreshed and ready to go. Keep the lines of communication open throughout the course of the season with regular meetings and weekly emails so you can discuss issues that may pop up from time to time.